Share This Page

Fort Lauderdale, Fla.—The Florida Department of Health in Broward County is again reminding all residents to get their flu shot. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), last year’s record-breaking flu season resulted in 80,000 deaths, including 185 pediatric deaths, in the United States, which is the highest number of deaths from the flu in over three decades. Protect yourself and those you love this season by getting your flu shot.

“We encourage everyone to a get a flu shot today to protect yourself and your family. If you develop flu-like symptoms, remember to contact your health care provider immediately so you can receive antiviral medication if necessary.” said Dr. Paula Thaqi, Director of the Florida Department of Health in Broward County.

The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older, including pregnant women. It can take up to two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop protection against the flu. The CDC recommend getting your flu vaccine every year as the first and most important step in protecting against influenza and its potentially serious complications.

CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine every year because flu viruses evolve quickly, and last year’s vaccine may not protect against the current year’s flu strain. Even if the flu vaccine does not fully protect against the flu, it may reduce the severity of symptoms and the risk of complications.

Getting vaccinated if you are healthy helps to protect our most vulnerable populations. People at higher risk for flu-related complications include children less than 5, adults over the age of 65, people with compromised immune systems, pregnant women and people who have existing medical conditions, such as asthma and obesity.

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.